In Memory and Celebrating the life of:

Rev. Dr. Shelley (Sheila) Elsie Grace Finson

B.A., M.R.E., Dip. Ed., M.S.W., D. Min., Honorary Doctorate, Companion of the Centre for Christian Studies

March 2, 1936 – February 3, 2008

These words appeared in Shelley's obituary, "After a six month journey following the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, in the early morning hours of February 3, Shelley yielded her place in the universe."

Today I have been reminded yet again of the shortness of our earthly journey. Shelley was simply an amazing person whom I had the privilege of getting to know over the last four years. While I'm told I met the "mellower" Shelley, its hard to imagine anyone more full of life, vigor and commitment. She was a courageous woman and a remarkable human being at a time when the church and the world was in desperate need of people like her. Shelley changed lives, for the better. Its amazing really what you remember when you hear about someone returning to the Creator. My initial memory was standing with her inside a tepee on a particular cold Winnipeg day when the thermometer read -52 degrees centigrade. How she delighted at the invitation to be in that holy space. I still marvel at the depths of her humanity and of her faith. There was so much more she had to share.
And so today I am reminded once again that someday I too will be called upon to yield my place in the universe and I'm left to ponder will I have occupied that space well?
To a dear friend and colleague, shalom Shelley - until we meet again.

Shelley was very open about her journey with cancer and you'll find a link to her blog - for as long as it stays active - where you can read about her journey. http://journey-shelley.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html